... the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land have
shared with us a portion of the February 3rd letter of... referring to teaching
in the prison in ...and to the formation of Local Assemblies in cell blocks,
While this teaching work is commendable those who accept Bahá'u'lláh under
these conditions cannot undertake administrative responsibilities, nor can
Local Assemblies be formed in prisons. However, they may observe Nineteen Day
Feasts, Bahá'í Holy Days, and other Bahá'í events. When they return to their
own communities they may participate in administrative affairs as well."
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated February 9, 1972 to the
National Spiritual Assembly of Ecuador,: Extract from a letter written to
another National Spiritual Assembly, June 11, 1964; compilations: ‘Lights of
Guidance’)